Inside Bramhall Issue 61

inside February - march 2017

magazines

Issue 61

bramhall

The local magazine our readers love to keep One of six magazines delivered to over 45,000 homes

magazines

inside b r a m h a l l Welcome to this bumper February-March issue! It’s a real pleasure to bring you such a varied and chunky publication at this normally quieter time. There’s so much to digest.

Huge thanks go to our contributors for your allimportant editorial pieces. The ‘great outdoors’ features as strongly as ever and spring is yet to come!

Huge thanks also go to our advertisers, old and new, who bring such quality services and products to our community. We would like to extend a very special welcome to Halliwell Jones who will be looking forward to meeting your motoring needs during 2017.

New Year, as we all know, is the traditional time to plan a few changes and as publishers we have a few in store for 2017. In this issue, we have started the ball rolling with some design and layout changes, some subtle, some a little more obvious, but all with the aim of doing real justice to the content and to giving you all the best possible experience.

What a great way to start the year! Thank you and enjoy!

Co-Editors - Garth Aspinall

What’s INSIDE this month 4 Local Buzz 7 Local History Books 8 simply books book club choice 12 Diary of a Geeky Knitter 14 the long weekend 17 Inside People 18 Barry’s Gardening Tips 21 Snowdrops 25 Crossword 32 the walk 34 Sudoku 14 37 In Touch 43 Just 4 Kids 44 Children’s Activities 51 martin’s money tips 53 Inside Guide 58 Puzzle Solutions 61 Useful Numbers 62 Classified index

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Claire Hawker

Tel: 01625 879611

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Inside Magazines, 352a Park Lane, Poynton, Cheshire SK12 1RL. email: info@insidemagazines.co.uk www.insidemagazines.co.uk Cover photo: Bramall Hall

by Garth Aspinall.

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Copy deadline for the next issue: Mon 13 March

Inside Bramhall is produced by Inside Magazines Ltd. We cannot be held responsible for views expressed by contributors or any advert content, including errors or omissions, or endorse companies, products or services that appear in this magazine. We endeavour to ensure that all local information given in this magazine is accurate, but we cannot always guarantee this. © Copyright Inside Magazines Ltd 2017. Material from this magazine may not be reproduced without prior written permission from Inside Magazines Ltd.

Design and artwork by Spring Creative | www.spring-creative.co.uk | 01925 714203

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Local buzz

February - march 2017

I LOVE BRAMHALL CELEBRATES 3RD BIRTHDAY The Bramhall community was out in force in November to celebrate the third birthday of ILoveBramhall.com The venue was Mercato Italiano which was jam packed with the I Love Bramhall family. Wendy Green, the founder of I love Bramhall greeted everyone with a glass of prosecco and, as the pleasantries commenced, delightful food was served by the Mercato staff. Gorgeous cupcakes were supplied by Sandwich Heaven.

Informal chatting and even a bit of business networking was the order of the night! In the background, Interfuture Entertainment’s Tony Grimes and Andrew Proven began to sing some classics for everyone to enjoy and even have a dance to. Wendy thanked everyone as she explained how I Love Bramhall has progressed so far in such a short space of time before presenting a montage video of the last year in Bramhall.

Chelsea Shoesmith worked her magic with the camera as she always does and captured some brilliant moments of the night so that the memories can last for a very long time! Thank you to Mercato for being fabulous hosts, to everyone who came along and to all the people who have supported the I Love Bramhall website since its conception three years ago!

ILoveBramhall.com

PUBLIC DEBATE AROUND PLANS FOR LOCAL HOUSING AND GREENBELT In October, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority published a draft 20 year plan for housing across the region. This plan is known as the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework – GMSF for short.

As part of the plan, greenbelt restrictions would be lifted in specific areas across Greater Manchester (around 25% of greenbelt land will possibly be developed). This includes greenbelt land near High Lane, Marple and Hazel Grove as well as greenbelt land near Cheadle Hulme, Heald Green and Woodford.

The GMSF have stirred public debate with the pressing need for more housing and job creation cited as the main reason ‘for’ the plan. Whereas those ‘against’ it question the affordability of any new housing, lack of infrastructure and the possible destruction of recreational, agriculture and wildlife-rich green spaces. The plans have resulted in cross-party protest groups forming such as the ‘Save Stockport’s Greenbelt’ campaign.

Part of the plans also includes the use of former industrial land – otherwise known as ‘brownfield’ – and there are moves to try to establish a register of such sites. The stated approach of the GMSF vision is to use brownfield sites first.

The plans are currently in draft stage and are due to go through public consultation and review before being finalised. The first stage of consultation closed in January and a report will be published in the coming months.

From there, the GMSF is likely to be reviewed and revised before further consultation takes place. More details are likely to be made known as the process continues.”

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Details of the protest group can be found on Save Stockport’s Greenbelt Facebook page or at www savestockportsgreenbelt.org.uk

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local history books SECRET STOCKPORT

Past Times of Macclesfield Volume IV

By Ian Littlechilds & Phil Page £14.99

By Dorothy Bentley Smith £12.99

The latest title in Amberley’s ‘Secret’ series explores Stockport’s secret history through a fascinating selection of stories, facts and photographs.

Local history buffs might also be interested in this fourth volume of a collection of local history newspaper columns by celebrated local historian Dorothy Bentley Smith.

No part of Stockport is recorded in the Domesday Book but there are records which show a castle was built in the area in the late 12th century and the first borough charter was granted around the year 1220. The town developed in size during the Industrial Revolution when its site at the confluence of the rivers, Tame, Goyt and Mersey provided the water sources needed for the development of a number of mills engaged in the manufacture of silk and hat making.

Today a walk around the narrow streets and passages of Hillgate provides evidence of Stockport’s rich history with the 15th century Staircase House and the quaint cobbled streets surrounding the market sitting in the shadow of the historic Church of St Mary. Venture out of the centre, however, and you will find Stockport is rich in myth and legend. From the witch of Reddish Vale and ghosts of Bramall Hall to the beautifully restored, Art Deco Plaza Theatre, there is always something to catch the imagination of those visitors who wish to uncover the hidden secrets of this fascinating town.

Ian Littlechilds is a professional photographer and author. Phil Page is a part-time English lecturer at Manchester Metropolitan University and a working professional photographer. He is a volunteer at Stockport Image Library and has participated in exhibitions at The Heaton’s Library. He has lived in Heaton Mersey for 30 years.

This particular volume consists of articles that were wholly or partially published when the author, local history expert Dorothy Bentley Smith, was a columnist for the Macclesfield Express from March 2010 to mid2012. In these articles, Dorothy covers a wide variety of topics on the theme of local history, from Victorian baths, railway outings and celebrations, to scandal, storms, and tragedy – this book dips into a multitude of topics. Each of the articles inside is accompanied by a selection of fascinating images, some of which are very rare and previously unseen.

Join Dorothy as she takes you on an insightful trip into Macclesfield’s past.

Dorothy is an author, tour guide, lecturer and accredited poet, with a passion for Macclesfield’s local history, the town which she and her late husband adopted in 1967. A former member of the Spode Society, Trustee of Christ Church and area representative for the Churches Conservation Trust (2006-2013), and now Trustee for the Stanley & Brocklehurst Almshouses and Chair of Macclesfield Heritage Forum, she continues her journey through the town’s 1,000 years of fascinating history.

Visit Simply Books to order your copy of either of these books which will be published on 15 February. Both are also available in Kindle, Kobo and iBook formats.

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simply books

book club choice

Following decades shrouded in secrecy the work of the wartime codebreakers at Bletchley Park – in particular the brilliant contribution Alan Turing made towards cracking the Enigma Code – has been very much in the public eye lately. The Imitation Game starring Benedict Cumberbatch was an award-winning film and a recent revival of Hugh Whitemore’s play Breaking The Code at The Royal Exchange played to packed houses. Now we have a novel about Alan Turing - The Fall Of Man In Wilmslow by David Lagercrantz. The book opens with the discovery of Alan Turing’s body in June 1954 at his home on Adlington Road (on the outskirts of Wilmslow) and its investigation by a young detective Leonard Corell. We follow Corell as he digs deep into Turing’s life and tries to understand the circumstances which have led to his untimely death – was it an accident or a suicide (as recorded by the coroner)? Who was Turing and why was his work of such ground-breaking significance?

The book captures the febrile atmosphere of the Cold War and the open hostility towards homosexuals (such as Turing) - seen as potential blackmail targets for the Russians (the ‘Cambridge’ spies Burgess and Maclean had only recently defected). There are also some interesting digressions which take us into the world of Bletchley Park and Turing’s mathematical work. Although heavily biographical this is nevertheless a work of fiction (Leonard Corell was not a real person!) with a strong narrative and a storyline that holds your attention throughout. Our book club thoroughly enjoyed the book – not least because of an enduring fascination for one of the most influential figures of the last century whose contribution at Bletchley Park and to the development of computers was only acknowledged posthumously. Plus it’s a story set on our doorstep – I daresay many of you will be familiar with the Blue Plaque which marks Alan Turing’s house on Adlington Road.

My second choice is Signs for Lost Children by Sarah Moss set in the 1880s. Only weeks after their marriage a young couple embark on a six-month period of separation. Tom Cavendish travels to Japan to build lighthouses and his wife Ally (one of the first women to qualify as a doctor) takes work at the Truro asylum where she struggles against the terrible conditions imposed on the patients, the morals of Victorian society and her own demons. Tom and Ally’s twin narratives are told in alternate chapters and the comparisons and contrasts between their respective experience is a central theme of the book. There’s also an interlude when Ally returns to her childhood home in Manchester to work with some of the poorest families in the city’s hideous slums.

This is a beautifully written and engaging story which we all enjoyed – so much so that many of us are now reading the author’s prequel Bodies of Light which describes Ally’s early life and her medical training. We will be hosting an event with Sarah Moss on 17 May. Lastly…I wanted to mention our upcoming evening with one of the country’s most distinguished and popular authors: JOANNA TROLLOPE OBE will be with us on Tuesday 22 February. You can find details (including how to book tickets) on our website www.simplybooks.info

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Simply Books 228 Moss Lane, Bramhall, Cheshire SK7 1BD 0161 439 1436 Open Tuesday to Saturday 9am to 5.30pm Andrew Cant www.simplybooks.info

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c0-housing communities Back in 1998 a group of six older women got together in the hope of changing the way they would live in their later years. The group had a clear vision, to be in a community of like-minded women, to maintain their independence and privacy but to be able to call upon the community for support and social contact when needed.

The women founded the “Older Women’s Co-Housing” (OWCH) group and were inspired by the success of senior housing projects developed in The Netherlands.

Having seen that such communities did exist, they embarked on an 18 year journey to realise their dream.

The dream has indeed become a reality. In the summer of 2016 a purpose-built block of flats in North London was completed and ready for the members of the

OWCH group to move into. The development offers 17 flats for sale and 8 for social rent to women over 50 who are members of the OWCH. The journey to get to this point has been long and sometimes painful, not least because this is an unfamiliar housing model and has required the input of so many different parties.

There is so much more to this story and I can’t really do it justice in just a few words but it is a very important story that needs to be heard. How we choose to reside in our later lives is a concern for us all but there is little choice, especially for those without financial means.

What these women have achieved is inspiring, what we need now is for co-housing to be adopted and developed to provide older people with the lifestyle they choose for themselves. www.owch.org.uk

Karen Perry, Founder alice chilton In-Home Care Services Limited www.alicechilton.com

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Diary of a geeky knitter A German Adventure As I write this month’s thoughts, I’ve just come back from a pre-Christmas trip to Cologne, Germany, to visit the most amazing Christmas markets I have ever attended! We actually went to see a concert, but this timed so happily in December we had to make a little holiday out of it. If you ever get the chance to visit some true German Christmas markets, I can’t recommend Cologne highly enough. Not only are the markets vast and magnificent, but the city is steeped in rich history (get to the Cathedral as soon as you can, you won’t be disappointed) and if this wasn’t enough, Cologne has a chocolate museum: heaven.

It’s not all been German chocolate and gluwein for me recently, no matter how desperately I wish that were the case. I’ve been busy designing knitting and crochet patterns to share online, and it’s a part of my hobby that’s been developing over the last few years which I have come to love a great deal. It’s a challenge but a lot of fun. Not only am I designing my own accessories and toys, but to be able to write instructions in such a way that others can make their own versions as well is splendid. My most popular pattern to date is a knitted owl hat, which you can find for free on my blog. I’ve also designed many toys and a few accessories as well which are all free. Just recently I’ve shared my first paid-for pattern; an aptly designed space invader’s hat, perfect for the geeky knitter (how nicely that’s worked out) and a great gift for anyone who is a fan of video games or geeky things like me, it being such an iconic game.

If you want to find out more, be sure to visit the blog.

You will find the link at the foot of this page as usual and thank you for bearing with me and my personal plug!

Try something new!

It’s the New Year, and I am sure everyone will join me in hoping that 2017 will be an improvement on the year just gone (regardless of your political leaning – it’s been a tough year). What better way to get the year off to a great start than trying something new? If, like me, the prospect of more exercise or joining a gym is a less than appealing one, why not try some crafting? There are some great classes in your area, from the Wilmslow Guild to Aquinas College in Stockport. Last year I took part in the dressmaking course that took me from sewing skirts all the way to crafting my own cosplay costumes (think back to last issue’s article). I can’t recommend this course enough, and if dressmaking isn’t your thing you are sure to find something you will love to learn!

To find out more about classes near you, visit www.aquinas.ac.uk or www.wilmslowguild.org and be sure to keep an eye out in your copy of INSIDE Bramhall. jennythegeekyknitter@gmail.com www.thegeekyknitter.co.uk www.etsy.com/uk/shop/geeksgamesandknits

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The long Weekend As we face the winter days ahead and look forward to signs of Spring and warmer weather to come, there’s nothing better than having a long weekend to look forward to… a quick break to a European city for culture, food and a change of scenery. With direct flights from Manchester to make the most of the destination, we recommend…

Carcassonne, located in the South West of France, Carcassonne is the largest mediaeval fortified city in the world, and has a spectacular position on the crown of the hill, with views stretching across to the Pyrenees.

Wander the cobbled streets, browse the shops with basketware and local pottery, and stop for coffee in one of the tree lined squares. Cassoulet is the local regional speciality and is a hearty casserole of duck and sausage, perfect with crusty bread. For a special treat, book into the De La Cite Hotel, built into the city walls and next to the beautiful church. The Canal du Midi also passes through Carcassonne and a walk along its banks is not to be missed.

Reykjavik, capital city of Iceland, is on the wish list for many people, particularly to see the Northern Lights,

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but there is so much more to see than this. The famous Blue Lagoon thermal baths are perfect for relaxation in the delightful warm waters and there are a great selection of tours from the city exploring the countryside of geysers, glaciers and volcanos.

Vienna has long enjoyed a reputation for a great short break destination. A visit to the great selection of museums and galleries to cover every taste is a must, as are the Habsburg palaces. We arranged concert tickets for recent clients and they thoroughly enjoyed the visit and their front row seats! We can also arrange tickets for the Spanish Riding School and the Vienna Boys Choir.

by Kristina Hulme > travelbydesigngroup.com

Lisbon is one of the friendliest, most charming and unspoilt capital cities in Europe. Whitewashed houses stretch down the sparkling River Tagus, watched over by the magnificent Castelo Sao Jorge and tree lined boulevards connect with steep winding cobbled streets.

Eating out is a treat with delicious fish and seafood dishes a speciality.

Copenhagen has been fascinating travellers from around the world since it was founded in 1167.

Many of the city’s most impressive buildings date from the golden age of the 17th Century when the extensive canal network was founded. Today you will discover excellent museums, top class restaurants, a sophisticated nightlife (with great jazz clubs), gabled houses, narrow streets, colourful markets, ancient harbours and the wonderful Tivoli Gardens.

Bologna is often regarded as Italy’s ‘richest ‘secret’, overshadowed as it is by the nearby ‘big hitters’ of Florence and Venice, yet it is a beautiful ancient and delightful city. It’s a university city – older than Oxford with some wonderful museums and piazzas and fabulous architecture. At the centre of the city is the mediaeval Asinelli Tower, and it’s worth climbing the 498 steps for fabulous panoramic views of the city.

The food of course, is fantastic, using the local Parma ham and parmigiano cheese, but you will also find that spaghetti bolognese is a Neapolitan dish and not local to the city! However, there are plenty of other pasta dishes to be had as a delicious alternative. ... and many more exciting destinations just a couple of hours direct flight from Manchester.

If you have been inspired to book a Long Weekend, contact Travel by Design on 01625 584195 for our extensive range of destinations and hotels.

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inside people

christine webb

Chris Webb, nee Jennings, was born in Liverpool although her family home was Clacton on Sea, Essex.

The family moved from Clacton to London, then on to Worcester and eventually further north to Wakefield.

Apart from working a summer season in Torquay (where traumatically her landlady died one night!) she has never returned to live in the South.

Leaving school at sixteen, Chris worked in local government and subsequently as a secretary in several industrial contexts. In 1974 she married Peter and moved to Stockport working for the Local Authority in the Teachers’ Centre, Adswood Family Advice Centre and the Town Hall.

Always interested in writing, Chris, as a child wrote stories, poems and complicated jokes to inflict on her family. She recalls vividly being accused of cheating by the Headteacher who felt one of her stories was too good to have been written by a child.

Chris became seriously interested to writing when she was at home looking after her two sons, Stephen and David. Watching Widows, she recalls, a TV series about women written by a woman, made a significant impression on her. So she began to write, using an old typewriter, entering competitions, which led to some success. Success followed success and she won an Acorn computer in a women’s magazine short story competition. More acceptances followed when three of her short stories were broadcast on the radio and encouraged by this she agreed to write a pantomime, words and music, for St Peter’s church musical group.

The Rat’s Revenge was a triumph and raised £3000 for charity.

In 1993, Chris was commissioned to write a series of monologues with seven other writers called a Month of Sundays which was performed at Dukes 92 in Castlefield. Inspired by this Chris wrote a play and forming a company called The Company with a Director

by Ed Blundell

friend, staged the play for six nights in Bury, Liverpool and Manchester.

The play was seen by a writer for the television series Brookside who suggested the producer, Mal Young, should audition Chris as a potential future member of the script writing team. In 1995 after drafting a trial script, Chris joined the team, one of two women in a team of twelve.

The work was very demanding and high quality scripts with realistic dialogue were required to extremely tight deadlines. In those pre-email days she had to drive to Liverpool on Sunday evenings to hand deliver a script on time. Chris enjoyed the writing and pressure and created an office at home where she worked, writing on the Acorn computer she had won in the earlier competition.

Once every six months there was a writers’ residential plot meeting in a hotel with Phil Redmond who owned Mersey Television and every four weeks a two- day story conference. The rest was solitary working with often only a few days to complete episodes.

In 1999, when her producer left to join the BBC, she followed him and wrote the first televised episode of Doctors and subsequently the 500th episode as well as many in between. She also contributed episodes to Eastenders, Holby City, The Bill and Casualty.

Family circumstances, the tragic early death of her husband and her mother’s illness, meant that the pressures of writing became too much and in 2010 Chris retired. She now relaxes walking her dog, reading crime stories and thrillers, pursues her interest in travel, theatre, drawing, art and history and listens to 60s music.

Last Word from Chris It’s never too late to start doing what you want to do. You need to seek opportunities out and keep an open mind.

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barry’s

gardening tips

I’m writing this in January and the weather is not very conducive to spending much time in the garden. There will be some of you who say that January is a time to avoid the garden altogether. But I think it would be a shame to miss what’s going on out there entirely. So why do I venture into my garden at this time of year?

The mahonias are at their best right now. I have eight of various types, and their racemes of bright yellow flowers give off a wonderful scent whenever the temperature climbs a few degrees above freezing. They are much appreciated by the occasional bumble bee that has been disturbed from its winter slumber. Below them a row of sarcococca add their vanilla perfume to the mix. Clumps of Cyclamen coum, with their delicate pink and white flowers, are reason enough to venture outside… after all that’s why I grow them and when else am I going to see them? And of course snowdrops are beginning to push their noses above the ground, although according to a couple of dedicated galanthophiles I overheard this week ‘Jack Mead’ and ‘Mrs Macnamara’ have been up and about for a while; clearly something going on between those two!

I overheard this week ‘Jack Mead’ and ‘Mrs Macnamara’ have been up and about for a while; clearly something going on between those two!

But besides appreciating individual plants this is the time to take in the bare bones of the garden, its structure and shape. This is when I assess the mix of evergreen and deciduous shrubs for example. Is there a balance? Do things need to be moved? I spend time wandering around, ignoring the cold drizzle, and make mental notes of what I’m going to change. Obviously this doesn’t mean I will actually get around to making all those changes but it’s nice to have plans.

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This time last year I embarked on some drastic alterations to my woodland garden. I decided the balance between light and shade had tilted too much towards the latter and certain plants were suffering.

Basically it had become over-mature and needed rejuvenating. The canopy of an oak tree was lifted, a 30’ conifer was rather dramatically ‘reshaped’ (still not sure about that one), a huge rhododendron (ponticum, the thuggish one) was dug out (cheaper than joining a gym) and most importantly a series of ivy-covered arches, which had been a focal point for over 20 years, were ripped out. This led to the repositioning of azaleas, daphnes and other smaller shrubs.

I couldn’t have done all this without being able to study the garden in winter. A year later I can see I made the right decision. If your garden looks right at this time of year then it will almost certainly look right come spring and summer.

Finally a very belated Happy New Year! Let’s hope 2017 is an improvement over the last one… and I don’t mean horticulturally!

by Barry Davy email: barry.davy@ntlworld.com

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National Gardens Scheme

Snowdrop Festival

During February the National Gardens Scheme (NGS) stages its second Snowdrop Festival to show that just because it’s winter doesn’t mean that there are no gardens to visit. The festival marks the imminent change of season with special openings of gardens renowned for their snowdrop displays. Galanthophiles (snowdrop lovers) will be in their element whilst those with more eclectic tastes have a mix of hellebores, aconites and other early spring flowers to admire, all of which makes a visit to an NGS garden well worth the effort of being outdoors on a cold day.

George Plumptre, Chief Executive of the NGS, says: “During our first Snowdrop Festival in 2016 many of our garden owners were overwhelmed by the amount of visitors that attended their openings. Many remarked that visitors were perfectly happy to wrap up warm and brave the elements to see the stunning view of hundreds of snowdrops on display in a garden.”

“Whether you want to admire the different varieties of snowdrops or just have a walk in lovely surroundings, visiting a National Gardens Scheme garden in February will be the perfect escape.”

Visitors to Snowdrop Festival gardens will also have the benefit of knowing that their entrance fee is supporting wonderful causes; the NGS currently donates over £2.6 million annually to its nursing and caring beneficiary charities, which include Marie Curie and Parkinson’s UK.

and spring bulbs. See how Dawn and Peter Freeman have brightened up their winter garden with carefully selected plants providing colour from leaves, stems and berries to brighten the dullest winter day. Light refreshments available and, as a very welcome treat, mulled wine for inner warmth!

WEST DRIVE GARDENS Open 19 February, 11am to 2pm, £3 children free.

With displays of hellebores and snowdrops, here are two gardens of very different character, reflecting their owners’ gardening styles. Although suburban, they are surrounded by mature trees and have a secluded feel.

There is a wild life pond at and other water features, though some inhabitants may be hiding if the weather is too chilly. Ceramics and containers with alpines complete the picture. Homemade teas.

DUNHAM MASSEY - Altrincham WA14 4SJ National Trust, Open for the NGS on 26 February, 11am to 5.30pm. £8.60 children £4.30 Explore the largest Winter Garden in the UK. There are over 1600 winter shrubs, trees and evergreens chosen for their scent, colour and texture, all complemented by snowdrops, winter irises, and cyclamen.

Continued over

Participating Gardens Nationwide, over 80 gardens are involved in the NGS Festival. Local participants include:

BUCKLOW FARM Pinfold Lane, Plumley, nr Knutsford WA16 9RP Open 26 February 1pm to 3pm, £3.50, children free.

It’s just a short drive through the country lanes to this quirky English country garden, complete with the sight of free-range hens set against carpets of snowdrops

Dunham Massey by Carol Drake

by Graham Beech www.ngs.org.uk

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RODE HALL - Church Lane, Scholar Green, ST7 3QP) Snowdrop Walks: 4 Feb - 5 March 11am to 4 pm Tues - Sat (Closed Mon) For opening times and information, please phone 01270 873237, email enquiries@ rodehall.co.uk or visit www.rodehall.co.uk Adults £5/ Children £2/Under 5’s free.

Enjoy a beautiful end-of-winter walk for all the family in a wonderfully diverse landscape with over 70 varieties of Snowdrops – one of the largest displays in the country. The terraced rock garden and grotto area are carpeted in snowdrops in February followed by daffodils and bluebells.

The tearooms are open serving homemade cakes, light lunches and refreshments. A roaring log-burner in the winter sets the scene.

Further afield If distance is no object, venture out towards the Wirral peninsula to visit Liz Carter’s NGS garden.

Briarfield

BRIARFIELD - The Rake, Burton, Neston, CH64 5TL Sat 25 & Sun 26 February 1pm to 4pm. Admission £3, children free. Liz’s garden is part of this year’s snowdrop festival. You can also meet Liz in Neston Market each Friday morning, selling her rare and unusual plants (70% to NGS).

For more info on visiting NGS gardens, go to www.ngs.org.uk, phone 01493 211535, buy the NGS publication “Gardens to Visit 2017” or, in the gardening season, pick up free local leaflets from libraries and larger garden centres.

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quick crossword Across 1. Expressing Support (4) 3. Doomed (3-5) 9. Style of Desk (7) 10. Geometric Point (1,4) 11. Mentally With-It (12) 13. Plod (6) 15. Venera on (6) 17. A Sunny Autumn? (6,6) 20. A Showery Month? (5) 21. Tops of the Mountains (7) 22. Giving Way (8) 23. Stupefy (3)

down 1. Integrity (8) 2. Soft Palate (5) 4. Benign Tumour (6) 5. UFO (6,6) 6. Fabric (7) 7. Hurry (4) 8. Obdurate (6,6) 12. Incarcerate (8) 14. Intimidate (7) 16. Flag (6) 18. Intended (5) 19. Newborn (4)

word search Find the hidden words in the word search grid.

Gold Magnesium Silver Copper Mercury Sodium Platinum Iron Aluminium

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Ramblers’

‘Superlative’ Walks Programme

East Cheshire Ramblers clocked up an astonishing 3,186 miles on a total of 361 walks during the last 12 months, Chairman John Edwards told the group’s recent Annual General Meeting.

Although there was a slight decline in the number of long and short walks, there were over 8% more medium walks. “These are superlative figures which outsiders can hardly comprehend”, he said.

Norman Ridley (left) and Harry Hadfield (right) receiving the Ramblers Association’s Certificates of Commendation from ECR Chairman, John Edwards.

A list of the group’s Top 10 Leaders was headed by Colin Park who led 11 walks in 2015-16 covering a combined distance of 121 miles, followed by Steve Hull with 111 miles and Brian Griffiths, 100.5-miles. Mr Edwards also congratulated Colin on his “extraordinary work” tracing long lost Cheshire paths as part of a national Ramblers initiative to ensure that any historic paths not yet defined as public rights of way are “claimed back” by 2026, after which no new claims can be submitted to the Highways Authority. This has involved him in hours of research poring over old maps coupled with fieldwork and has yielded a possible 43 lost ways in the ECR area.

Members heard that the annual survey, which covered 1,276 footpaths and bridleways, revealed that during the last year 1,246 paths were examined by its team of 38 footpath inspectors in 33 parishes. These were in better condition than ever before with the number of

serious faults down from 10.6% to 8.8%. Of these, just 42 (3%) were found to be ‘obstructed’ and 1,137 (91%) were classified as ‘good’ or ‘acceptable’.

“Our first thanks must be to our dedicated Committee, footpath inspectors and maintenance team for all the care and actions they have taken to preserve and improve our local footpaths,” he added.

Contrary to national trends, the number of ECR members has remained remarkably stable over the last three years and now stands at 624. Two long-serving members, with nearly 100 years’ service between them, received national recognition for their outstanding contributions to walking.

Mr Ridley helped to found the group in 1973 and went on to become Chairman in 1995, serving throughout this time as a footpaths inspector. For more than 30 years he and his wife, Brenda, also ran a programme of weekends away and twice-yearly coach outings which enabled members to enjoy walks in distant parts of Britain. “Lots of members looked forward to these excursions finding them hugely enjoyable and refreshing. Indeed, Norman introduced many of us to places we had never seen before,” said Mr Edwards.

Paying tribute to Mr Hadfield, he said that after helping to form the Footpaths Committee he was a driving force for over 40 years, “combining the research disciplines and rigour of a veteran academic and the advocacy of a learned QC to become an expert on Rights of Way legislation.” During this time he had successfully campaigned to get numerous paths preserved or re-instated and had represented the group before government inspectors, including the public enquiry into the building of the second runway at Manchester Airport.

Further information about East Cheshire Ramblers can be found at ramblerseastcheshire.org.uk

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park house b&B recommends We would like to recommend a very exciting new place to visit in Clitheroe - Bowland Brewery at Holmes Mill where you can sample a selection of local Craft Ales.

Home to Bowland Beer Hall and possibly the longest bar in Britain, this former textile mill has been brought back to life as a food, drink and leisure hub.

At the heart of the whole complex is the Brewery and Beer Hall, a showcase for Bowland Beers alongside

many others from respected suppliers both nationally and internationally. You will find at least 24 cask ales on the bar and an extensive menu reflecting the best world beer food served daily. The Boilerhouse with its cafe, patisserie, bakery and gelateria serves a delightful selection of our Holmes Made breads and cakes, and offers an all-day dining menu featuring sandwiches, salads, soups and daily specials.

What’s more there are lots of exciting developments to unveil in summer 2017 including the Bowland Food Hall, a spectacular showcase for fabulous local produce and the best of beyond.

Holmes Mill, Greenacre Street, Clitheroe, BB7 1EB. (Near Sainsbury’s)

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a leap too far Allow 4 hours, this route has 1200ft (360 mts) of ascent.

Use OS Map OL 1 Dark Peak Area.

Grid Ref SK073994.

This walk generally has clearly defined footpaths but can be difficult on the moorland as the weather can change quite quickly. Adequate clothing and boots are essential.

The walk passes two reservoirs, starting from Crowden car park which has free parking, just off the busy A628 road.

To arrive at Crowden which has a busy youth hostel, we went through Glossop and took the B6105 until it joined the A628 where it is necessary to turn very sharp left, the sign for Crowden is a short distance on the right. We started the walk, crossing over the A628 and going through a kissing gate and then took another path on the left which goes parallel to the reservoir. Eventually the route reached the end of the reservoir with a steep short flight of steps taking us over the river Etherow. After a short distance through a wooded area we crossed over the B6105 up to the

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Longdendale Trail which runs south east alongside the Torside Reservoir. This trail follows the line of the Great Central Railway Woodhead line, built in1847 to link Manchester and Sheffield. It claimed many lives, 32 for the Woodhead Tunnel alone, other workers died in the cholera epidemic of 1849. Some of the graves can be seen at Woodhead Chapel, above the Woodhead Reservoir dam.

After about a mile we passed the Longdendale trail car park, which can be an alternative start point for the walk, but it is a pay and display car park, with a fee of ÂŁ4.50, hence the Crowden start point! After another mile the B6105 was crossed again and we left the Longdendale trail to go down the metalled road and over the dam of Torside Reservoir. If this road is missed it is possible to continue alongside the Rhodeswood Reservoir by the trail and cross over the dam here. Our group made a short coffee break on a handy bench overlooking the water of Rhodeswood.

Later we continued through a picturesque area of scrub and woodland until we reached the road running over the dam. Turning right here we climbed upwards and soon reached the A628, turning left for a few yards before we crossed over and took the old quarry track which zigzags up the heather and grass slopes. We then crossed a stile at the side of a locked wooden gate

The Walk

presumably locked to stop off road vehicles going any further. The route then entered the woods of Didsbury intake, climbing steadily but quite easily, with the cliffs on our left and the valley on our right. Eventually we reached the disused Tintwhistle Knarr quarry where millstone grit rocks were quarried long ago, the scattered stones of which now made seats for a handy lunch stop.

Soon we arrived at the edge of ‘Lad’s Leap,’ where legend records that young men, rebuffed in love, would jump into the valley below After some 20 minutes the two minute warning was given, and ignoring the moans and complaints of the lazier members (not the ones shown in the picture) we again set off along the narrow path which in parts had a rather forbidding drop on our right. This however only lasts for a fairly short distance, and soon we came to another stile, marking the edge of the moor by Rawkins Brook with a peaty path called ‘Black Gutter,’ on the other side of the stile. We then headed north east across the moor towards the edge of what is

known as Millstone Rocks. Soon we arrived at the edge of ‘Lad’s Leap,’ where legend records that young men, rebuffed in love, would jump into the valley below.

There is probably no truth in the legend but it adds to the many mysteries of the Pennines. The picture shows the likely spot with the outcrops where the probably fictitious young men hurled themselves off. The moors of aptly named Bleaklow can be seen on the other side of the valley.

We carried on, the path becoming a bit indistinct, but keeping the Torside Reservoir on our right, and after Highstone Rocks, we descended quite steeply, taking care not to slip on the muddy patches, until we reached the Pennine Way, which we followed for a short distance and then we turned left towards Crowden Valley, crossing Crowden Brook past the youth hostel and back into the car park. Everyone felt a sense of achievement at having completed a varied and interesting walk.

Poynton Rambling Club has over 100 members with walks on Wednesdays and Sundays. It caters for walkers of all abilities and varies from easy to strenuous, with distances between 5 and 12 miles.

For further details visit the website at www.poynton ramblers.org.uk

by Peter Jaques > Poynton Rambling Club

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sudoku How to play Sudoku Fill in the grid so that each row, column and 3x3 box, contains the numbers 1 through to 9 with no repetition.

You don’t need to be a genius.

These puzzles use logic alone.

Watch out! Sudoku is highly addictive.

Solution on page 58

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in touch your local community noticeboard February - march 2017

INHABIT New exhibition at The Silk Museum Macclesfield’s Silk Museum will be hosting an exciting new exhibition by artist Yvette Hawkins using silk woven by a colony of 10,000 silkworms she has reared specifically for the display.

Yvette Hawkins’ INHABIT is a bio structural installation woven by silkworms and developed through residencies at The Silk Museum and The Comfrey Project. The Comfrey Project provides asylum seekers and refugees across Tyneside with a safe, welcoming environment, which promotes personal wellbeing through a sense of place and belonging. INHABIT has been made possible by Grants for the Arts funding from Arts Council England.

Yvette’s work revolves around her mixed race heritage and nomadic upbringing, residing in 45 homes across two nations. It “explores hybridity, tradition, migration and preservation which relate to ‘the cultural other’. Silk is the main medium in this work; it provides a crucial bridge between my UK and South Korean heritage… drawing upon its rich tradition in both countries.”

Yvette is making a series of sculptures woven by 10,000 silk worms. This will develop into an immersive installation inviting meditations on migration, home making, shelter and cultural identity. Macclesfield’s heritage is built on silk; the town’s population almost trebled between 1810 and 1830 as people flocked here to work in the industry. NB Silkworms will not be harmed in the making of the work.

The exhibition, at The Silk Museum, Park Lane, Macclesfield SK11 6TJ, is open Monday-Saturday, 10am-3pm (until 31 March), 10am-4pm (from 3 April) 12-4pm on Bank Holidays, until 2 June. Museum Admission, including special exhibitions: £4.50, £4 concessions, children free Admission to Special Exhibition only: £2 (adults) www.silkmacclesfield.org.uk

PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY EXHIBITION Come and see a fantastic display of photographs produced by the North Cheshire Photographic Society!

Our Exhibition of members images in Poynton Civic Centre will be open to the public from 10am until 4pm on Thursday 23 and Friday 24 March with free admission. We will also be hosting our major photographic competitions featuring the best images from clubs all over the North West and beyond, and all are welcome.

Wednesday 22 March: North Cheshire Challenge Interclub Print Competition in the evening Thursday 23 March: Exhibition open and North Cheshire Challenge Interclub Digital Knockout Competition in the evening Friday 24 March: Exhibition open. Members only Exhibition Dinner and Awards Presentation in the evening

For more information visit www.ncps.org.uk Continued over

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in touch - your local community noticeboard

TEMPO PERFORMS FAME Fame the Musical will be the next production, from local youth musical theatre group TEMPO (The Edge Musical Performing Organisation). Last year’s show, Starlight Express won a total of five awards from ACT UK (the Association for Community Theatre) including, Most Original Character Actress in a musical for Annabell Haastrup and her portrayal of Pearl, the Most Accomplished Actor in a Musical for Sam Ashell who played Rusty, with the show’s success rounded off with TEMPO winning The Most Original Youth Production 2016 - Musical.

“We were delighted to have won in so many categories and proud of all our cast and crew who put on such a fantastic show” commented Chairman Alison Bisset. “We are now busy rehearsing hard for our next production which will be FAME the Musical, and once again our young company are thoroughly enjoying getting to grips with a new and very different show set in the 1980’s. FAME has some great characters and memorable songs and everyone is really looking forward to performing it in March.“ The show tells of life at the New York City’s famous High School of Performing Arts, and follows a group of students across the acting, dancing and music faculties where sweat and hard work are the key factors to a successful life as a performer. The students learn to master their craft and grow up alongside each other, rising to the various challenges that face them along the way.

FAME the Musical is based on the 1980 film and had its world premiere in Florida, USA in 1988, arriving in London in 1995. FAME is an international success that continues to inspire new generations.

FAME the Musical will be at the Evans Theatre, Wilmslow Leisure Centre, Wilmslow between Tuesday 7 and Saturday 11 March 2017. Performances are at 7.30pm with a matinee on Saturday at 2.30pm. For more information and tickets go to www. tempotheatre.com Tickets are also available by calling 07969 176148.

POPULAR PLANT FAIR RETURNS TO BRAMALL HALL Spring will soon be in the air and it’s time to get out in the garden and get planning and planting for the year ahead and where better to get inspiration than at Bramall Hall’s popular Plant Hunters’ Fair which is back on Sunday 2 April?

The Plant Fair is a fund-raising event for special projects at the hall and has proved hugely popular in the past, rapidly gaining a reputation as the best specialist plant fair in the area. The plant fair will be in a new location in the revamped walled garden with more space available to have many more nurseries than in the past. There will be a great line-up of specialist nurseries and artisans from across the country attending. The plants are lovingly grown by these nurseries and these enthusiastic plants people are on hand to give honest, straightforward advice on choosing and growing the right plants for your garden.

The plant fair runs from 11am to 4pm and will cost just £2 in aid of special projects at the hall. For full details of nurseries attending please see www.planthuntersfairs.co.uk

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ONE IN A THOUSAND Bramhall University of the Third Age (U3A) is part of a national organisation. The U3A movement started 35 years ago and has grown steadily since. The U3A has now just exceeded 1000 groups and has nearly 400,000 members. Each group offers social and informal learning opportunities for retired and semi-retired people on a self-run basis without assessments or providing qualifications. Local U3As are supported by a National Office – the Third Age Trust.

A U3A group was established in Cheadle Hulme in 2001. The suggestion for a group in Bramhall came from Cheadle Hulme members and the Bramhall group started in 2010. Others nearby groups have formed more recently in Poynton, Cheadle & Gatley and Wilmslow.

Bramhall U3A has over 700 members and operates in a similar pattern to other groups across the country.

There is a monthly meeting with a guest speaker that meets in the afternoon of the third Thursday of the month at the United Reformed Church on Robins Lane. There are some 50 activity groups covering areas such as crafts and skills (eg creative writing, knitting and photography), learning subjects (eg languages and science talks), physical activities (eg line dancing, pilates, table tennis and walking) and more social activities (eg canasta, singing for fun and wine tasting). These activities take place in either member’s homes or halls are hired. In addition there are monthly outings, regular theatre visits and holidays once or twice a year. A first in 2016 was the wine tasting group visit to the Loire valley in France.

You are very welcome to come for a taster session to find out if Bramhall U3A is for you and make some new friends. Contact Mike Hollingsworth on 0161 439 2865 or go to www.bramhallu3a.org.uk for more information.

50TH ANNUAL EXHIBITION Bramhall Art Society is holding its 50th Annual Exhibition at the Bramhall Village Club on Friday 31 March, Saturday 1 April and Sunday 2 April. Enjoy tea, coffee, cakes and biscuits in the small hall served from 10am to 4pm, the proceeds of which will be going to St Ann’s Hospice. On the Saturday morning there will be a free harp recital at 11am by Alice Kirwan.

Cheshire Art Gallery in Bramhall Village will be sponsoring prizes for their favourite pictures. Do go along and view the work of the Society, where if you wish, you can also purchase original paintings, both framed and unframed.

Entrance is free and there is also free car parking at Bramhall Village Club, Lumb Lane, Bramhall SK7 1LR. The opening hours are Friday and Saturday 10am to 6pm and Sunday 10am to 5pm.

YOUNG RECORDER PLAYERS WANTED Stockport Recorder College is looking for young recorder players (10 to 18 years) to join us at Moorfield Primary School. Lyndhurst Ave, on Saturday mornings in term time from 9am to 12.30pm for excellent tuition at minimum cost. Come to make friends, socialise and enjoy making music together – any standard of player is welcome.

For younger players (7 to 9 years) there is SRC Junior Recorders from 9am to 10.15am also on Saturdays at Moorfield Primary School – have fun learning to play the recorder from the beginning.

Or more details contact J Ormerod Tel: 0161 456 6157 or visit www.stockportrecordercollege.org.uk

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A fresh approach to hearing care Highly trained hearing aid audiologist David Roche has spent over 25 years in the industry before setting up Cheshire Hearing Centres, during this time he has earned an outstanding reputation for excellent customer service and client satisfaction.

After many years satisfying his hearing aid clients throughout South Manchester he has now opened Stockport’s only dedicated high street independent hearing centre. The centre, operating from 15 Ack Lane East in Bramhall offers daily clinics Monday to Friday with evening and Saturday appointments by arrangement.

One of the many reasons people are put off taking steps to improve their hearing is the thought that they could spend a lot of money and the hearing aids might not work for them. This is where Cheshire Hearing Centres differs from the competition.

By offering a completely free no obligation trial of any instrument from any manufacturer they can assist clients in overcoming these initial concerns and help them discover what up to date digital hearing aids can do for them.

A client would typically be seen three times during a four week trial to support and coach them through the early days of hearing aid use. When a client goes on to purchase their system they will get that same level of attention and ongoing aftercare for the life of the hearing aids at no extra charge.

Hearing problems can be very upsetting and distressing, at Cheshire Hearing Centres you can be sure of not just an understanding ear but quality personal care and attention, ultimately improving the quality of life for you and your family.

Cheshire Hearing Centres detailed hearing assessment procedure provides in depth data as to the extent of hearing decline and what particular features a hearing system may need in order to help you. David will discuss your results, the possible causes of your particular problem and just as importantly examine suitable options for a clients needs and abilities.

Cheshire Hearing Centres pride themselves on their independence, they are not tied to or owned by any particular hearing aid manufacturer - this means they are truly able to recommend what is right for the client.

They offer devices from all the leading manufacturers such as Bernafon, Oticon, Phonak, Siemens, Starkey, GN Resound Unitron and Widex.

According to the charity Action on Hearing Loss, around ten million Britons – one in six – suffer from some kind of hearing loss, including half of over-60s. Two million people have hearing aids fitted, but it is thought another four million would benefit.

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Even if you haven’t purchased a hearing aid from Cheshire Hearing Centres, they are still more than happy to provide you with a six-monthly check up service free of charge.

David is extremely approachable, he is more than happy to discuss specific concerns you may have over your hearing or the problems experienced by a loved one.

For more information or to book your free no obligation hearing assessment, contact Cheshire Hearing Centres on 0800 970 8850.

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Answers: towel, sponge, soap, bubble bath, shampoo, rubber duck. Extra letter answer: shower

just 4 kids

Children’s Activities Things to do with pre-school kids

Monday

friday

Story Time 11-11.30am Bramhall Library. Telephone 0161 217 6009

Baby Massage & Yoga – morning Bramhall Library Children’s Centre. Combined class run by The Baby Massage Company & Honeychild Baby Yoga. Email babylovesmassage@live.co.uk or call Kate on 07866 468245 for class times and to book (necessary).

Baby Massage & Yoga – afternoon Bramhall Library Children’s Centre. Combined class run by The Baby Massage Company & Honeychild Baby Yoga. Email babylovesmassage@live.co.uk or call Kate on 07866 468245 for class times and to book (necessary).

Tuesday Active Angels 10-11.30am - Term time only Free play and songs including puppets and musical instruments and parachute fun also. Healthy snacks and refreshments for children and hot and cold beverages for adults. St Michael & All Angels Parish Church, Bramhall. Contact Karina: 07969633654 or Karina_lemmon@live.co.uk Story Time 2-2.30pm Cheadle Hulme Library. Telephone 0161 217 6009.

Wednesday BMC Baby Chat 10.30-11.45am Term-time only - Feb 1st, 8th, 15th March 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th. Bramhall Methodist Church, Bramhall Lane South. Come and join us every Wednesday morning for a chat, tea/coffee and biscuits and the opportunity to meet other mums, grandparents and carers with young babies in the Bramhall area. There’s a small charge of £1 per adult. For further details please call 0161 439 1204.

Mucky Monster Club Term time messy & sensory play at Bramhall Park Lawn Tennis Club.

9.30am-10.30am 6 months to 4 years. 11.30am-12.30pm Babies 6 months to 18 months. Monthly booking required, normally 3 weeks for £19.50 or 4 weeks for £26. Contact Leanne on 07716 960 338 hello@muckymonsterclub.com for further info.

FREE TRIAL available!

Little Fishes Toddler Group for under 5’s - 10-11.30am Term-time only, Bramhall Methodist Church, Bramhall Lane South.

For more information contact Angela Fixter on 01614391204 or email angelafixter@hotmail.co.uk NCT (National Childbirth Trust) 10-11.30am St Michael & All Angels Parish Church, Bramhall. Contact Tracy Howe on 0161 477 3252 Mini Professors Pre-school science classes for 2-5 year olds 10.30-11.10am Term time only at St Michaels Scout Centre, St Michaels Avenue.

Two hands on experiments, songs, a story and a film clip with a new exciting topic each week.

Call Professor Laura on 07895901901 or email Eastcheshire@miniprofessors.co.uk

saturday Who Let the Dads Out? 10-11.30am Every 3rd Saturday of the month, Bramhall Methodist Church.

A play session for dads, granddads and male carers and their pre-school aged children. Messy play, games, a room full of toys, followed by bacon butties, tea and coffee for dads, and drinks and biscuits for the children. For further details and dates please contact Jo@bramhallmethodists.org.uk

Sunday

thursday Little Lambs Baby & Toddler Group 10-11.30am Term time only, Bramhall Baptist Church, Woodford Road.

Toys, refreshments and song time. Suggested donation of £1.50 per family. Just turn up or for more information email bramhallbaptistchurch@gmail.com

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Toddler Group 10-11.30am Cheadle Hulme United Reformed Church, Swann Lane. £1 per child including refreshments. Contact Alison Stevens 01625 877180.

Messy Church. Second Sunday of every month 4-6pm Bramhall Methodist Church, Bramhall Lane South.

See Inside Guide or call 0161 439 1204.

If you run a local activity for young children and email would like to be included on this page please c.blackie@insidemagazines.co.uk

Compiled by Clare Blackie > email: c.blackie@insidemagazines.co.uk

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revision plus RevisionPlus was established by a small group of passionate teachers and examiners with the aim of meeting the ever-growing demand for GCSE and A-level revision support during the pre-exam period.

The founders’ combined experience of over 50 years teaching and achieving excellent examination results in state and independent high schools and sixth form colleges is the organisation’s driving force.

Similar courses have proved to be very popular in the Home Counties, but until now we have not seen this opportunity for students in the North West.

GCSEs are a huge milestone. With the government-led changes and new specifications, these exams are now even more challenging and gaining a place in sixth form is becoming increasingly competitive. The introduction of new linear A Levels too means that university admissions tutors are focusing more on students’ GCSE grades. What’s more, as students who fail to get a Grade C or above in GCSE Maths and English now

have to continue studying these subjects, sensible and planned revision has never been more important. A GCSE revision course provides content, structure, exam skills and support, all in one. What better way to kick start exam preparation?

The fierce competition for places at good universities means A-level revision courses too have become an increasingly popular choice for students who want to improve their grades. When university offers are competitive, a thorough, well-planned and targeted revision course can help achieve those grades.

RevisionPlus days offer a fresh look at the key topics in a chosen subject. They provide an intensive overview of the specified core material and teach students how best to tackle exam questions, providing them with a frequently needed confidence boost. What’s more, RevisionPlus teachers can focus on the areas of a subject that are of most concern to students, based on a prior assessment of their requirements. Bookings are now open for February, Easter and May courses.

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Dog lovers

urgently needed

Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, a national Charity that trains clever dogs to alert deaf people to important sounds, is scouring Cheshire East for dog-lovers willing to take care of their adorable puppies. Hearing Dogs for Deaf People relies on its extensive network of more than 1,900 volunteers across the country in order to continue its life-changing work. In particular, the Charity is looking for dedicated local dog-lovers to become ‘Puppy Socialisers’ in 2017.

Caroline and Terry Roeves, volunteer puppy socialisers from Wilmslow, say: “We have had our first puppy Daphne for just over a year. Now we have dozens of new friends from regular dog walks. We are so much fitter and enjoy opportunities to socialise Daphne in local libraries, schools, stores, cafes and restaurants. Daphne loves all of this and the fuss that is made of her. We love volunteering for Hearing Dogs. Being part of the Hearing Dogs family is an experience that far exceeds our expectations and puts a smile on our and others’ faces every day. We would definitely recommend puppy socialising for Hearing Dogs, your life will change for the better from day one!”

Michelle Taylor, Puppy Training Instructor for Cheshire East adds: “If you live in the area and are looking for something new to do this year, then why not give something back and meet some loveable life-changing puppies along the way? As long as you have a car, a secure, private garden, and enough time to train a puppy daily, then we would absolutely love to hear from you. You really can make such an enormous difference.”

To find out more about puppy socialising, contact the volunteering team on volunteer@hearingdogs.org.uk, 01844 348122 or visit our website www.hearingdogs.org.uk/volunteer

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Hearing Dogs for Deaf People is a registered charity that trains dogs to alert deaf people to household sounds and danger signals such as the doorbell, telephone and smoke alarm – providing life-changing independence and confidence. Hearing Dogs provides a national service and no charge is made to recipients. Since its inception in 1982, Hearing Dogs for Deaf People have placed more than 1750 hearing dogs. The Charity will be celebrating its 35th year this year.

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money sins Are you a sinner? Financially that is. There are a host of everyday money misdemeanours that millions of people do, costing them thousands, without being aware of it.

These aren’t horrors like grabbing a payday loan, but the result of simple misunderstandings, bad habits or inaction.

So having recently toured around the UK doing roadshows for the sixth series of my ITV show, I’ve collated five of the most common.

- If you don’t pay the debt off with the savings and an emergency happens that costs you £1,000 to fix, you’d use all your savings and still have £1,000 of credit card debt.

- If you do pay off the debt with the savings, and a £1,000 emergency happens, you’d need to pay for it on your credit card, meaning you still have no savings and £1,000 of credit card debt.

The end result of them both is the same, yet by paying off the debt with the savings, you save in the meantime.

The only exception is if the debt is at 0%. Then the financially savvy and disciplined can do what’s called stoozing, where you deliberately build up 0% debt only to save it and earn interest. Though with current saving rates so low, it’s not as easy as it used to be. Full help on that at www.mse.me/stoozing

2. Not at least asking your energy firm are you on its cheapest deal Most people in the UK are on their energy firm’s standard tariff, which typically means they’re overpaying by £300 a year. I’ve talked about switching until I’m blue in the face, and, of course, the best plan is take five minutes to do a full market comparison via my www.CheapEnergyClub.com or any www.Ofgem. gov.uk approved comparison site.

1. Saving while you’ve expensive debts Savings rates are depressingly low – the top easyaccess rate is 1%. Credit card and other interest rates are depressingly high. So, £1,000 credit card debt at 18% costs you £180 a year, the same amount saved in top paying savings account at 1% interest only earns you £10. If you had both, pay the debt off with your savings and you’d be £170 a year better off.

Many of you will be thinking, “but I want to keep my savings, what if the boiler packs up or the roof falls in?”

However, that’s a sentimental strategy, not a logical one. Let’s carry on the £1,000 debt and £1,000 savings scenario to show you why.

Yet for some that doesn’t hit home. So, let me be plain.

Even if you won’t do that, just pick up the phone and ask your current provider “Am I on your cheapest tariff?” and, if not, switch to that as there’s no change but the price!

For example, as I write (it can change daily), on EDF’s standard tariff someone with typical usage pays £1,070/year. It also has a 12-month fix at £880/year £190/year less.

British Gas’s standard tariff with typical use is £1,044/ year, but it also runs Sainsbury Energy (i.e., it’s the same company but a different name), and its cheapest fix is £804/year – saving £240/year. This don’t ask don’t get saving works at all the big firms, so if you won’t do a comparison, at least do this.

Continued over

by Martin Lewis > twitter: @MoneySavingExpert

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3. Only making the minimum repayments on credit cards

5. Saving or borrowing to pay your children’s tuition fees

Credit card minimum payments are based mostly on a percentage of the balance, which only just covers the interest. So, you hardly clear any off.

I’m often freaked out by parents telling me they’ve saved up so their child won’t have to pay tuition fees at uni. Worse, some even extend their mortgage.

My problem isn’t just that it’s actually students’, not parents’ responsibility to repay this…

A 30-year-old with £3,000 debt on a credit card at 17.9% interest, who made only typical minimum repayments, would take 27 years to clear it. By then, they’d be 57 and have paid a total cost £4,000 in interest (see my minimum repayment calc at www.mse. me/minrepay to work out how long it’ll take you).

Now you may be thinking ‘easy to say, but I can’t afford more than the minimum.’ Well, I have a solution. On £3,000 debt, the current minimum is around £70 a month. If instead of opting to pay the minimum, fix your repayment at £70.

The debt will clear in five years at a total cost of £1,500 in interest, saving £2,400.

If you’ve debt on more than one credit card, focus all spare cash on repaying the most expensive, making only the minimums on the others. That way you get rid of the most expensive debts first.

4. Don’t cover your home’s value on buildings insurance Your house price is the wrong figure; you only need to insure the usually much lower rebuild cost – literally how much it would cost to rebuild your home should it get knocked down. This is often far less than the market value. There’s information and a calculator on this at http://abi.bcis.co.uk.

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All new English full-time students can get a tuition fee loan and a living loan to help pay for uni costs. You’re eligible to start repaying in the April after leaving, but only if you earn over £21,000, and you repay 9% above that. Repayments stop after 30 years. In many ways, it acts far more like a tax than a loan, and how many would save “in case my child earns enough to be a higher rate taxpayer”?

An extreme example provides clarity. Imagine your child goes to uni and becomes a brilliant poet, who never earns above the £21,000 threshold. They would never repay a penny. So, if you paid the fees for them, you’d throw £27,000 away.

Most of course will earn over the threshold. However only high earners will earn enough to repay in real terms what they borrowed within the 30 years. If not, again it means pay their tuition fees and you’re paying more than they’d need to repay. For most parents if you want to help them, a better thing to prioritise is building up a mortgage deposit. For far more on this see my mse.me/dontpayupfront guide.

inside guide

January - February 2017

selected events in your area

Wednesday 1 February

MON 6 to SAT 11 FEBRUARY

‘Coffee and Conversation’ at Simply Books Join Andrew for half-an-hour of lively conversation about books in the news. Hear what’s happening in the shop and pick up suggestions for a few ‘good reads.’ Price: £2.50 (towards your coffee and homemade cake!)

Simply Books, Bramhall 11am

Poynton Players present Ladies in Lavender by Shaun McKenna A stage adaptation of the 2004 film. Tickets Mon £7.50, Tues to Sat £8.50. www.poyntonplayers.co. Booking line 0333 666 3366. Poynton Players, George’s Road West, Poynton

Thursday 2 February

Bramhall and Cheadle Hulme Flower Club Diane Fair, Gifts of the Season. We offer a warm welcome to visitors. Entrance fee for visitors £6, enquiries call 07908 264255. The Parish Rooms, Church Road, Cheadle Hulme 7 for 7.30pm

Baby Book Club Perfect for 0 - 3 year olds, our Baby Book Club is a 20 minute session of stories and rhymes. Meet new people, have a browse in the shop and enjoy a drink in the cafe with a slice of delicious homemade cake! £5 per family (up to 2 children) which includes a complimentary drink and £2 towards a children’s book. Simply Books, Bramhall 2pm

Thursday 2 February Would you like to meet new friends?

Are you over 50 and single? Thursday Group is a friendship group for men and women, with several activities run by the member every week. These include walking, dancing, badminton, theatre and restaurant visits. More info at www.thursdaygroup.co.uk, ring Mike on 07860 396286, or just come along.

The Bulls Head Pub in Handforth, 30 Wilmslow Road, SK9 3EW 8.30pm

Saturday 4 February

Tuesday 7 February

Wednesday 8 February Craft and Chatter A fortnightly get together for crafters of all kinds, card making, quilting, collage, embroidery, sewing and any other interests you might have. Contact Chrissie 0161 439 8262 for further details. £2 donation requested.

Dean Row Chapel Hall, Adlington Road, SK9 2BX 2pm

Thursday 9 February LINK Women’s Fellowship Party Night! Will our members please note the earlier than usual start time - 6.30pm for 7pm meal. Make sure you have your ticket, available from Committee members.

Bramhall Methodist Church (Bramhall Village Centre) 6.30pm

Cheshire Chorale with Cheshire Sinfonia Beautiful Music in Bramhall Bach - Suite No. 3 in D major; Lauridsen - Lux Aeterna; Bach - Magnificat.

Tickets: £12 (Full), £10 (concessions), £3 (under 18) Reserved tickets available in advance from 01969 667033 or at the door.

St Michael’s Parish Church, Robins Lane, Bramhall 7.30pm

Thursday 9 February

Sunday 5 February

Barnby Choir Singing Day led by Keith Orrell Music for the Resurrection. Rachmaninov-All Night Vigil (Vespers Nos. 13,14,15) and Keith Orrell -Exsultet. Singing ticket price of £20 includes music hire, morning coffee, afternoon tea. Please call Ann Elphick on 01625 583752 for further information or visit www.thebarnbychoir.co.uk Wilmslow Methodist Church, Kings Close, Wilmslow SK9 5AR 9.30am to 4.30pm

Marple and District Allotments Potato Day Now in its 6th year, Marple Potato Day has become a popular event and is always well supplied with homemade cakes. Free entry. Further information at www.marpleallotments.org.uk or by phoning the organiser, Joe Presford on 0161 427 5261 Senior Citizens Hall, Marple, SK6 6BE 10am to 2pm

Bramhall Group of the Family History Society of Cheshire Brick Walls – finding my way round them with David Guyton.

Admission £2 including refreshments. Visitors welcome but we trust that those who attend regularly will join the FHSC. For further information Please ring 01614395021 or email bramhall@fhsc.org.uk Main Hall, United Reformed Church, Bramhall SK7 2PE 7.30pm

Saturday 11 February

Continued over

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Sunday 12 February

Saturday 18 February

Messy Church Come and join us for an afternoon of Bible stories, creative craft activities, games and songs at Messy Church. Our theme for February is ‘Friendship’ as we look at how Jesus chose his disciples. ALL family and friends welcome. We also have an exciting zone for 8-11 year olds with advanced baking and craft activities, computer games, science fun and much more!

There is no charge but please feel free to bring a small amount of food for our ‘Bring and Share’ tea!

Bramhall Methodist Church, 23 Bramhall Lane South, SK7 1AL 4pm to 6pm

‘Who Let the Dads Out?’ This is a play session for dads, granddads and male carers and their pre-school aged children. There’ll be messy play, games, a room full of toys and then bacon butties, tea and coffee for the dads and drinks and biscuits for the children. For further details please contact Jo@bramhallmethodists.org.uk Bramhall Methodist Church, 23 Bramhall Lane South, SK7 1AL 10am to 11.30am

Tuesday 14 February East Cheshire Association of the National Trust Lecture – ‘Amazing Women Pilots’ Speaker Victor Crawford.

St Michael’s Church Hall, St Michaels Avenue, Bramhall 2pm

THURSDAY 16 FEBRUARY Bramhall U3A monthly meeting A talk on “The Last Laugh of the Railway King” by Geoff Scargill following the AGM. Your opportunity to find out about your local U3A. Entrance £1.

United Reformed Church, Robins Lane, Bramhall 2pm

Prestbury Choral Society Singing Day Come and Sing Mozart’s Requiem. Visit our website www. prestburychoral.org or call our secretary on 01625 262249 for details. Wilmslow United Reformed Church

Wednesday 22 February Craft and Chatter Bring your own project and enjoy good crafting company with a cuppa and the opportunity to learn from each other. We look forward to seeing you Contact Chrissie 0161 439 8262 for further details. £2 donation requested.

Dean Row Chapel Hall, Adlington Road, SK9 2BX 2pm

Wednesday 22 February

Knit & Natter An afternoon of knitting, chatter, drinks and cake… whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced knitter everyone is welcome! Knit & Natter is held upstairs round the big table.

Simply Books, Bramhall 3pm

Simply Books presents JOANNA TROLLOPE OBE launching her new novel City of Friends Join us for a very special event with one of the country’s most popular and distinguished authors. Tickets: £10, to book: call 0161 439 1436 email events@simplybooks.info or book online at www.simplybooks.info St Michael’s Church, Bramhall 7.30pm

Thursday 16 February

Thursday 23 February

Thursday 16 February

Wilmslow Guild Natural History Society Switzerland – Landscape and Flora, by Roy Beacham.

A look at this beautiful and interesting country from a naturalist’s point of view. Visitors welcome £4. Further information from the Chairman – David Warner 01625 874387 Wilmslow Guild, 1 Bourne Street, Wilmslow 7.30pm

Thursday 16 February Cheadle Hulme & Bramhall Natural History Society Tonight, Botanist, Jack Swan will talk about Wildflowers of Cheshire. He has studied many plants in their natural environment. Visitors (£3) welcome.

St Michael’s Church Hall, St Michaels Avenue, Bramhall 7.30pm

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Saturday 18 February

East Cheshire Association of the National Trust Lecture The Caledonian Canal and the Invergarry to Fort Augustus Railway. Speaker Andy Holmes. St Michael’s Church Hall, St Michaels Avenue, Bramhall 7.30pm

Friday 24 February Simply Cinema presents…

THE LIGHT BETWEEN OCEANS FAR FROM HEAVEN (12) When lighthouse keeper Tom Sherbourne and his adored wife Isabel discover a baby adrift in a boat off the remote coast off Western Australia, they must make a choice. When they decide to raise the child as their own, the shattering consequences of their choice will change their lives forever.

As beautiful as it is heart-breaking. Tickets £7, to book call 0161 439 1436 email events@simplybooks.info or book online at www.simplybooks.info Centrepoint, Bramhall Methodist Church. Doors open 6.30pm, screening at 7pm

Saturday 25 February

Saturday 4 March

Hallé Chamber Concert Hallé Woodwind Quintet, playing pieces by Verdi, Gounod, Ibert and Malcolm Arnold. Tickets £11 and £9 (concession) available from Church Office (0161 439 1204), Simply Books (228 Moss Lane), Thrift Shop and at the door. Under 18s free.

Refreshments included.

Bramhall Methodist Church 7.30pm

Alderley Edge Orchestra concert Theme Adventures on the High Seas. Book your passage – 1st Class seats £10 and steerage at only £1 (for the under 18s) phone 01625 581321, online at www.aeorchestra.org.uk or at the door.

Alderley Edge Methodist Church, SK9 7DU 7.30pm

Wednesday 1 March

Bramhall and Cheadle Hulme Flower Club Don Billington - Something Different. We offer a warm welcome to visitors. Entrance fee for visitors £6, enquiries call 07908 264255 The Parish Rooms, Church Road, Cheadle Hulme 7pm for 7.30pm

‘Coffee and Conversation’ at Simply Books Join Andrew for half-an-hour of lively conversation about books in the news. Hear what’s happening in the shop and pick up suggestions for a few ‘good reads!’ Price £2.50 (towards your coffee and homemade cake!

Simply Books, Bramhall 11am

Wednesday 1 March Simply Books presents HANNA SILLITOE introducing her new book RADIANT Recipes to heal your skin from within. For 20 years Hanna suffered from psoriasis, eczema and acne. They dominated her life and shattered her confidence. When the only remaining treatment on offer was chemotherapy, she began her own research and completely changed her diet – with dramatic results. Now free from all skin complaints Hanna shares her secret – and the uplifting story of her personal journey to good health. An inspiring evening for anyone interested in living a healthier lifestyle. Hanna will be bringing along a few samples from her book us to taste! To book tickets call in at Simply Books, phone 0161 439 1436, or book online at www. simplybooks.info Simply Books, Bramhall 7.30pm

Thursday 2 March Baby Book Club Perfect for 0 - 3 year olds, our Baby Book Club is a 20 minute session of stories and rhymes. Meet new people, have a browse in the shop and enjoy a drink in the cafe with a slice of delicious homemade cake! £5 per family (up to 2 children) which includes a complimentary drink and £2 towards a children’s book.

Simply Books, Bramhall 2pm

Thursday 2 march Would you like to meet new friends?

Are you over 50 and single? Thursday Group is a friendship group for men and women, with several activities run by the member every week. These include walking, dancing, badminton, theatre and restaurant visits. More info at www.thursdaygroup.co.uk, ring Mike on 07860 396286, or just come along.

The Bulls Head Pub in Handforth, 30 Wilmslow Road, SK9 3EW 8.30pm

Tuesday 7 March

Tues 7 to Sat 11 March TEMPO presents FAME the Musical For more information and tickets go to www.tempotheatre. com Tickets are also available by calling 07969 176148.

Evans Theatre, Wilmslow Leisure Centre, Wilmslow 7.30pm, Saturday matinee 2.30pm

Wednesday 8 March Craft and Chatter Bring your own project and enjoy good crafting company with a cuppa and the opportunity to learn from each other. Contact Chrissie 0161 439 8262 for further details. £2 donation requested.

Dean Row Chapel Hall, Adlington Road, SK9 2BX 2pm

WED 8 to SAT 11 MARCH Brookdale Theatre presents Salt of the Earth A comic drama by John Godber. Ticket info 0161 439 0505 Brookdale Theatre, Bridge Lane, Bramhall 7.45pm

Thursday 9 March Bramhall Group of The Family History Society of Cheshire How the vicar’s parlour maid’s son became an international adventurer, business entrepreneur and created modern day Lyme Park with Bryan Goodwin. Admission £2 including refreshments. Visitors welcome but we trust that those who attend regularly will join the FHSC. For further information Please ring 01614395021 or email bramhall@fhsc.org.uk Main Hall, United Reformed Church, Bramhall SK7 2PE 7.30pm

stand out from the crowd

with our paid INSIDE Guide listings.

Call 01625 879611 or email info@insidemagazines.co.uk for further details.

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Thursday 9 March

Saturday 18 March

LINK Women’s Fellowship “Quakers: Now and Then” from Mrs Sue Clark. We understand that Mrs Clark’s presentation to another group in our church was extremely interesting, informative and enjoyable. All ladies are welcome to come and join us whether you come to our church or not ... or any church for that matter.

We are a friendly lot and have a good natter over a cup of tea and biscuit round about 9pm. Only £2 for the evening.

Bramhall Methodist Church (Bramhall Village Centre) 7.30 pm for 7.45 pm start

‘Who Let the Dads Out?’ This is a play session for dads, granddads and male carers and their pre-school aged children. There’ll be messy play, games, a room full of toys and then bacon butties, tea and coffee for the dads and drinks and biscuits for the children. For further details please contact Jo@bramhallmethodists.org.uk.

Bramhall Methodist Church, 23 Bramhall Lane South, SK7 1AL 10am to 11.30am

Sunday 12 March Messy Church Come and join us for another afternoon of Bible stories, creative craft activities, games and songs at Messy Church when our theme for this month is ‘Facing Danger’ as we look at the story of Daniel in the Lion’s Den. ALL family and friends are welcome to join us in this craft-filled, thought-provoking and fun event. We also have a fun and exciting zone for 8-11 year olds which includes advanced baking and craft activities, computer games, science fun and much more! There is no charge but please feel free to bring a small amount of food for our ‘Bring and Share’ tea!

Bramhall Methodist Church, 23 Bramhall Lane South, SK7 1AL 4pm to 6pm

Tuesday 14 March E Cheshire National Trust Lecture The Vernons and the building of Sudbury Hall, speaker Dr Cherry Ann Knott St Michael’s Church Hall, St Michaels Avenue, Bramhall 2pm

Thursday 16 February Knit & Natter An afternoon of knitting, chatter, drinks and cake… whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced knitter everyone is welcome! Simply Books, Bramhall 3pm

THURSDAY 16 MARCH Bramhall U3A monthly meeting A talk on “Women in Manchester – Radical and Other!” by Jean Bailo. Your opportunity to find out about your local U3A. Entrance £1.

United Reformed Church, Robins Lane, 2pm

Thursday 16 March Cheadle Hulme & Bramhall Natural History Society Kevin Pratt owner of Village Plants Nursery in Hazel Grove will talk about “The Private Gardens of Cheshire”. Visitors (£3) welcome.

St Michael’s Church Hall, St Michaels Avenue, Bramhall 7.30pm

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Wednesday 22 March Craft and Chatter A fortnightly get together for crafters of all kinds, card making, quilting, collage, embroidery, sewing and any other interests you might have. Contact Chrissie 0161 439 8262 for further details. £2 donation requested.

Dean Row Chapel Hall, Adlington Road, SK9 2BX 2pm

Thursday 23 March Wilmslow Guild Natural History Society Brief AGM, followed by ‘Penguins and Proteas’ by Judith Lovelady. An exploration of S.Africa’s Garden Route. Visitors welcome £4. Further information from the Chairman – David Warner 01625 874387 Wilmslow Guild, 1 Bourne Street, Wilmslow 7.30pm

Thurs 23 & Fri 24 March North Cheshire Photographic Society Annual Exhibition Come and see a fantastic display of photographs produced by the North Cheshire Photographic Society! Our exhibition of members images in Poynton will be open to the public on these two days with free admission. For more information visit www.ncps.org.uk Poynton Civic Centre 10am to 4pm

Saturday 25 March Cheshire Sinfonia – Beautiful Music in Bramhall Elgar - Introduction and Allegro Op.47; Elgar - Cello Concerto in E minor Op 85.

Soloist: Simon Turner; Brahms - Symphony No.1 in C minor Op.68.

Tickets: £12 (Full), £10 (concessions), £3 (under 18) Reserved tickets available in advance from 01969 667033 or at the door.

St Michael’s Parish Church, Robins Lane, Bramhall 7.30pm

Compiled by Claire Hawker > email: claire@insidemagazines.co.uk

Wed 29 March to Sat 1 April NK THEATRE ARTS PRESENTS: ‘MADE IN DAGENHAM’ Inspired by a true story and based on the hit movie, Made in Dagenham is the uplifting new West End musical comedy about friendship, love and the importance of fighting for what is right. Ticket prices: £12/£10 Box Office 0333-666-3366 *booking fees apply The Forum Theatre, Compstall Road, Romiley 7.30pm

Thursday 30 March E Cheshire National Trust Lecture What the papers said, speaker Judith Atkinson. St Michael’s Church Hall, St Michaels Avenue, Bramhall 7.30pm

Thursday 30 March Bramhall Christian Viewpoint Supper Evening The Dalit People – who are they? Our speaker Julia Hawthorne will be talking about the work she and her husband have been doing over the last 20 years helping to provide education, health care and a loving home to some of the most vulnerable people in India, Come and be inspired and bring a friend! To book a place call Sheila Salden 0161 440 9794 £12 including supper. Deanwater Hotel, Woodford 7.45pm

Fri 31 March to Sun 2 April Bramhall Art Society 50th Annual Exhibition Enjoy tea, coffee, cakes and biscuits in the small hall served from 10am to 4pm, the proceeds of which will be going to St Ann’s Hospice. Free entrance and car parking. On the Saturday morning there will be a free harp recital at 11am by Alice Kirwan. Bramhall Village Club, Lumb Lane, Bramhall SK7 1LR 10am to 6pm (5pm finish Sunday)

don’t forget!

Copy deadline for the next issue is

Monday 13 March Call 01625 879611 or email info@insidemagazines.co.uk to secure your space.

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useful numbers Churches Baptist Church Christ Church, Woodford Bramhall Christian Fellowship Evangelical Church Methodist Church Roman Catholic Church of St Vincent de Paul St Michael & All Angels United Reformed Church

Police (non-emergency) 0161 440 9091 0161 439 2286 0161 440 9132 0161 439 3103 0161 439 1204 0161 440 0889 0161 439 6532 0161 439 4807

0161 426 5850 0161 426 9700 07548 098 258 0161 439 3322

Helplines Alcoholics Anonymous Al-Anon CALL Listening Line Childline Citizens Advice Bureau Crimestoppers Directory Enquiries National Dementia Helpline RSPCA Samaritans The Wellspring, Stockport

0845 7697555 02074 030888 0845 123 2329 0800 1111 03444 111 444 0800 555111 118 500 0845 300 0336 0300 1234999 116 123 0161 477 6344

Hospitals Stepping Hill Hospital NHS Non-Emergency

0161 439 2189 0161 856 9770 101

Post Offices Bramhall Sorting Office Maple Road Post Office Parkside Post Office Hazel Grove Post Office

0161 255 3371 0161 439 4100 0161 439 4006 0161 483 2332

Schools

Doctors Bramhall Health Centre Bramhall Park Medical Centre Bramhall Park Cancellation Line The Village Surgery

Bramhall Police Post Cheadle Heath Police Station (non-emergency)

0161 483 1010 111

Bramhall High School Ladybrook Primary School Moss Hey Primary School

0161 439 8045 0161 439 8444 0161 439 5114

Nevill Road Primary School Infants Juniors Pownall Green Primary School Queensgate Primary School

0161 439 4817 0161 439 4598 0161 439 1105 0161 439 3330

Travel Bus Information Train Information Manchester Airport

0161 228 7811 0845 748 4950 0161 489 3000

Utilities Electricity – Power Loss Gas – Emergency Water Mains Environment Agency Floodline

0800 195 4141 0800 111 999 0845 746 2200 0845 988 1188

Leisure Centre Bramhall

0161 439 8128

Libraries Bramhall Library Stockport Central Reference Library

0161 217 6009 0845 644 4307

Local Government Stockport MBC Mary Robinson MP

0161 480 4949 0161 672 6855

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classified index ADVERTISING & MARKETING Southern Advertising & Marketing

DRAINAGE 6

ART Bramhall Art Society

8

49 58 46

CAR DEALERSHIP Halliwell Jones

9

60

11 23

50

34

Bramhall Village Club

Stuart Ennis Gary O Reilly Andy Pritchard Philip Unsworth

62

31

46

GARAGE DOORS

SECURITY

36

Cheshire Hearing Centres

City Lock & Safe Ltd

61

30

KITCHENS Byles

28

16

Mounteney Solicitors 10 Slater & Gordon

Inside Front Cover & 26

STAIRCASE RENOVATIONS 24

TREE SERVICES LTS Treework 19 Swift Tree & Arboricultural Services 22

TRAVEL Travel by Design

20

20

SOLICITORS / LEGAL SERVICES

The Stair Shop

HOTELS & B&B’s Park House B&B

16 52 22 15

41

16

RESTAURANTS Tom Yam

52 57

60

PLUMBING & HEATING

Creative Gardens & Driveways

Back Cover

13

PLASTERERS

BPF Plumbing & Heating 42

36

OVEN CLEANING

GARDEN DESIGN & LANDSCAPING

Blue Handymen

16

ORGANIC FOOD

PJ McEvoy

Maestro Financial Services

HOME IMPROVEMENT & PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

DECORATORS

More Than Loft Ladders

Eco Dazzle

Adlington Hall & Gardens

HEARING SERVICES

15

City Lock & Safe Ltd

Riverford Home Delivery Inside Back Cover

58

COMPUTER & INTERNET Tech Teacher

60 57

Goldcrest Garden Services Robinsons Garden Maintenance

CLUBS & ENTERTAINMENT

5

LOFT LADDERS

Maddocks SCZ Electrical Services

10

CLEANING SERVICES Diamond Home Support

ELECTRICIANS

Mosley Jarman

Greensleeves

57 42

LOCKSMITH SERVICES 24

GARDEN MAINTENANCE

CHIROPODY Suzanne Gaskell

ELECTRICAL SUPPLIES

Carrington Doors

CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING Safeclean

LAWNCARE

FINANCIAL SERVICES

CARPETS & FLOORING Linney Cooper

45 47

EVENTS & VENUES

CARE HOMES & SERVICES Alice Chilton In-Home Care Hillbrook Grange

Kitchen Refinishing Matt Finish

ESTATE AGENTS

CAR REPAIRS Scratches & Scrapes

Greenbank Preparatory School Revision Plus

Taylor Electrical

BUILDING SERVICES JS Services S.P. Lee & Co Whitehall Builders

19

EDUCATION 35

BOOK SHOPS Simply Books

KITCHEN RESPRAYING

Pure Clean Drainage Solutions

14

WINDOW & CONSERVATORY REPAIRS The Window Repair Centre

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